[go: up one dir, main page]

JP3839609B2 - Vehicle lamp device - Google Patents

Vehicle lamp device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
JP3839609B2
JP3839609B2 JP04334399A JP4334399A JP3839609B2 JP 3839609 B2 JP3839609 B2 JP 3839609B2 JP 04334399 A JP04334399 A JP 04334399A JP 4334399 A JP4334399 A JP 4334399A JP 3839609 B2 JP3839609 B2 JP 3839609B2
Authority
JP
Japan
Prior art keywords
vehicle
lamp
irradiation
lamps
lamp device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
JP04334399A
Other languages
Japanese (ja)
Other versions
JP2000238576A (en
Inventor
寿文 速水
裕之 石田
秀樹 内田
篤 杉本
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd filed Critical Koito Manufacturing Co Ltd
Priority to JP04334399A priority Critical patent/JP3839609B2/en
Priority to KR10-2000-0008153A priority patent/KR100380500B1/en
Priority to GB0004086A priority patent/GB2347996B/en
Priority to US09/507,896 priority patent/US6293686B1/en
Priority to DE10007984A priority patent/DE10007984B4/en
Priority to CNB001026445A priority patent/CN1154587C/en
Publication of JP2000238576A publication Critical patent/JP2000238576A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of JP3839609B2 publication Critical patent/JP3839609B2/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/12—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to steering position
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/06—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle
    • B60Q1/08—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically
    • B60Q1/085—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights adjustable, e.g. remotely-controlled from inside vehicle automatically due to special conditions, e.g. adverse weather, type of road, badly illuminated road signs or potential dangers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/14—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights having dimming means
    • B60Q1/1415—Dimming circuits
    • B60Q1/1423—Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic
    • B60Q1/143—Automatic dimming circuits, i.e. switching between high beam and low beam due to change of ambient light or light level in road traffic combined with another condition, e.g. using vehicle recognition from camera images or activation of wipers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
    • B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
    • B60Q1/04—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights
    • B60Q1/18—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments the devices being headlights being additional front lights
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/05—Special features for controlling or switching of the light beam
    • B60Q2300/054—Variable non-standard intensity, i.e. emission of various beam intensities different from standard intensities, e.g. continuous or stepped transitions of intensity
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/11—Linear movements of the vehicle
    • B60Q2300/112—Vehicle speed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/11—Linear movements of the vehicle
    • B60Q2300/114—Vehicle acceleration or deceleration
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/12—Steering parameters
    • B60Q2300/122—Steering angle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/12—Steering parameters
    • B60Q2300/126—Hysteresis behavior based on steering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/12—Steering parameters
    • B60Q2300/128—Steering dead zone
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/10—Indexing codes relating to particular vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/14—Other vehicle conditions
    • B60Q2300/142—Turn signal actuation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/20—Indexing codes relating to the driver or the passengers
    • B60Q2300/21—Manual control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/31—Atmospheric conditions
    • B60Q2300/312—Adverse weather
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/32—Road surface or travel path
    • B60Q2300/322—Road curvature
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/33—Driving situation
    • B60Q2300/332—Driving situation on city roads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/33—Driving situation
    • B60Q2300/333—Driving situation on suburban or country roads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Q2300/00—Indexing codes for automatically adjustable headlamps or automatically dimmable headlamps
    • B60Q2300/30—Indexing codes relating to the vehicle environment
    • B60Q2300/33—Driving situation
    • B60Q2300/334—Driving situation on motorways
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S362/00—Illumination
    • Y10S362/802—Position or condition responsive switch

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、車輌の進行方向における車輌前部に設けられた複数の灯具を備えた車輌用灯具装置において、複数の灯具による照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して配光制御を規定する車輌用灯具装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
車輌の操舵角を検出して、その角度変化に応じて灯具の照射方向を変更することで夜間の曲路走行時における安全性を高めるように構成した装置が知られている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来の装置では、車輌が曲路を走行しているときの操舵角に応じて照射光の一部についてその方向を連続的に変化させる制御しか行っていないため、路上の標識や、歩行者や先行車輌、対向車輌、あるいは障害物等に対して充分な照明を行うことが難しいという問題がある。
【０００４】
そこで、本発明は、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角と車輌速度に応じて複数の灯具による照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して照射方向及び範囲を制御することで車輌の走行状態にとって常に適切な配光制御を行うことを課題とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は、上記した課題を解決するために、車輌の進行方向における前部に設けられた複数の灯具を備えた車輌用灯具装置において、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角を検出する走行方向検出手段と、車輌速度を検出する車速検出手段と、走行方向検出手段及び車速検出手段からの検出信号に応じて複数の灯具の点灯又は消灯を規定することによって各灯具の照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して車輌前方及び側方の配光制御を行う照射制御手段と、車輌周囲の気象を把握するための気象状況検出又は気象情報取得手段と、を設け、当該気象状況検出又は気象情報取得手段からの信号を照射制御手段が受けて天候の悪化が判断された場合には、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための灯具が点灯されるようにしたものである。
【０００６】
従って、本発明によれば、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角と車輌速度に応じて複数の灯具による照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して照射方向及び範囲を制御することで車輌前方の配光を規定することができ、更に、天候の悪化時には、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための灯具を点灯させることによって、車輌前方の視認性を向上させることができる。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は本発明に係る装置の基本構成を示すものであり、車輌用灯具装置１は車輌の進行方向における車輌の前部に設けられた複数の灯具２＿ｉ（ｉ＝１、２、・・・）を備えており、各灯具の照射範囲を組み合わせることで全体の配光を可変制御する機能を有している。尚、これらの灯具としては、自動車用の場合、ヘッドランプ、コーナリングランプ、レインランプ、フォグランプ、ベンディングランプ等が挙げられる。
【０００８】
車輌用灯具装置１は、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角を検出する走行方向検出手段３と、車輌速度を検出する車速検出手段４とを備えており、これらの検出情報は後段の照射制御手段５に送出される。
【０００９】
走行方向検出手段３としては、例えば、操舵角（ハンドルの操作角等）の検出用センサや方向指示器への指示信号の検出手段が挙げられるが、この他、道路形状を含む地図情報及び自車輌の現在位置情報に基づいて現在及びその後の車輌の走行方向を求める手段として、ＧＰＳ（Ｇｌｏｂａｌ ＰｏｓｉｔｉｏｎｉｎｇＳｙｓｔｅｍ）衛星を利用したナビゲーション（経路誘導）システムや、路車間通信（車輌と道路との間を無線通信で結ぶ施設を利用したもの）等を利用することができる。
【００１０】
また、車速検出手段４については、車輌に装備された速度センサをそのまま利用することができる。
【００１１】
照射制御手段５は、走行方向検出手段３及び車速検出手段４からの検出信号に応じて複数の灯具２＿ｉ（ｉ＝１、２、・・・）の点灯又は消灯を規定することによって各灯具の照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して車輌前方及び側方の配光制御を行うものであり、そのために照射制御手段５は各灯具に対してそれぞれを点灯させ又は消灯させるための信号を送出する。
【００１２】
例えば、車速検出手段４によって検出される車速が速くなるに従って点灯させる灯具の数を減らして照射範囲が狭くなるように照射制御手段５が配光制御を行うことで、車輌の高速走行時においてステアリング操作により操舵角が変化しても灯具の照射範囲が左右に大きく移動しないように制御し、これによって配光の安定化を図ることで道路利用者（他車輌の運転者等）を驚かせたり、グレアによる眩惑を与えないようにする。
【００１３】
走行方向検出手段３によって車輌の直進が検出された時には、複数の灯具のうち車輌の進行方向を向いて照射する灯具だけを点灯させ、また、走行方向検出手段３によって車輌の走行方向又は操舵角の変化が検出された時には、当該変化が大きくなる程、車輌が曲がろうとする方向をより広く照射するように他の灯具を順次に点灯させ、照射範囲を拡大するために照射制御手段５が各灯具について段階的に点灯又は消灯させる。これによって、右左折、曲路走行においては、車輌がこれから曲がろうとする方向だけでなく当該方向を含む広い範囲に亘って光照射を行うことができるので運転者の前方視界を充分に確保できるという利点がある。
【００１４】
尚、自動車のように走行環境が時間と場所によって様々に変化する場合には、車輌周囲の気象を把握するための気象状況検出又は気象情報取得手段６を設け（図１参照）、当該手段からの信号を照射制御手段５が受けて天候の悪化が判断された場合に、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための灯具を点灯させることが好ましい。これは、天候の悪化時（雨天や曇天、降雪時等）において路上の白線（センターラインや路肩のレーンマーク等）が視認しにくくなるのを防止するためである。
【００１５】
気象状況検出についてはこれを直接的に行う方法と間接情報から推定する方法とがあり、前者の方法には前方撮影用カメラの情報に基づく画像処理による方法、あるいは雨滴や温湿度、周囲照度等を検出するため各種センサを付設して、これらの検出情報を総合的に判断する方法が挙げられ、また、後者の方法には、例えば、ワイパーの操作信号やその状態を示す信号等、気象変化に付随して操作されることが予定されている装置の情報を活用する方法が挙げられる。尚、気象情報の取得については、上記した路車間通信やＦＭ多重通信等を利用して行うことができる。
【００１６】
照射範囲の制御については、各灯具の照射方向を変化させるための機構を設ける方法（例えば、灯具を構成する反射鏡や遮光部材、レンズ等の光学部材の姿勢を変更するための駆動機構を灯具に内蔵させ、当該駆動機構によって灯具の照射方向を外部からの信号によって可変制御する等）が挙げられるが、車輌前方及び側方の照射範囲を複数の区分領域に分割し、照射方向をそれぞれ異にする灯具を用いて各区分領域に対して各別に光照射を行うことで全体の照射範囲を規定すると、各灯具が簡単な構成で済む（各灯具の配光について固定したままで良い。）ので、部品点数や装置コストの削減にとって有利である。
【００１７】
例えば、複数の灯具として、車輌進行方向（前方）を主に照射する主ランプと、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための副ランプと、車輌の斜め前方から側方にかけての照射範囲を有する側方照射ランプと、副ランプの照射範囲と上記側方照射ランプの照射範囲との間に位置する照射範囲を有する補助ランプとを設けることで、車輌前方の視界を充分な範囲で照らし出すことができる。尚、自動車用灯具の場合を例にすると、ヘッドランプが主ランプに、レインランプが副ランプに、コーナリングランプが側方照射ランプに、ベンディングランプが補助ランプにそれぞれ相当する。例えば、車輌前部において主ランプ及び副ランプの下方に側方照射ランプ及び補助ランプを配置させた構成等が挙げられる。
【００１８】
尚、上記の説明では、照射制御手段５によって各灯具の点灯又は消灯が規定されるものとしたが、このような段階的な制御では、突然に照射範囲の一部が明るくなったり、逆に暗くなったりする虞が生じるので、複数の灯具のうち、照射範囲が一部重複し又は隣接した関係を有する２つの灯具について、その一方の灯具の光量を点灯（消灯）させてから他の灯具を点灯（消灯）させるにあたって当該他の灯具の光量を、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角の変化に応じて徐々に増加（減少）させるように点灯光量の制御を行うことが好ましい。つまり、この場合には、照射制御手段５から各灯具２＿ｉに送出される制御信号によって灯具の明るさが段階的又は連続的に変化する。そのためには、例えば、灯具の光源（白熱電球や放電灯等）に対して、その電流や電圧あるいは供給電力の制御を行えば良い。
【００１９】
【実施例】
図２乃至図１４は、本発明を自動車用灯具装置に適用した実施の一例を示すものである。
【００２０】
図２は車輌前部における一方（左側）の角隅に付設された灯具の配置例を主に示す図であり、ヘッドランプ７、レインランプ８、ベンディングランプ９、コーナリングランプ１０が示されている。
【００２１】
即ち、やや側方寄りに配置されたヘッドランプ７に対して、該ヘッドランプ７の横であってこれより前側の位置にはレインランプ８が配置されている。そして、該レインランプ８の下方にベンディングランプ９が位置し、ヘッドランプ７より下方であって車輌の側面部にコーナリングランプ１０が位置している。尚、各ランプの役割について簡単に説明すると、ヘッドランプ７は、すれ違いビームや走行ビームの配光において主役となるランプであり、レインランプ８はコーナーリング照明と雨天照明の兼用ランプ、そして、ベンディングランプ９は低速時のコーナーリング照明用ランプ、コーナリングランプ１０は交差点等での照明用ランプであり、本実施例では、後述するように配光の可変制御が可能なヘッドランプが用いられ、残りのランプについては固定した配光をもったランプが用いられている。
【００２２】
図３は車輌を上方から見た場合において、各ランプの照射範囲を概略的に示したものである。
【００２３】
同図に示す領域Ａ７、Ａ７は、左右のヘッドランプ７による照射範囲をそれぞれ示しており、車輌の前方を最も遠くまで照射している。尚、ヘッドランプ７についてはステアリング操作に伴う操舵角の変化に連動して水平方向（図の矢印参照）に所定の角度範囲、例えば、−５°（左方）乃至＋５°（右方）の範囲に亘って光軸の移動が可能とされる。つまり、図 に破線の領域で示すように、車輌前部の右側のヘッドランプについては前方右側に光軸を移動させ、また、車輌前部の左側のヘッドランプについては前方左側に光軸を移動させることができる。
【００２４】
また、領域Ａ８、Ａ８は、左右のレインランプ８による照射範囲をそれぞれ示しており、該ランプはヘッドランプ７より手前に位置する路面上を照射している。つまり、車輌の左前部に付設されたレインランプは、道路交通法規上で左側通行が義務付けられている場合において、自車線側の２０ｍ（メートル）程度先の白線を照射することができ、また、車輌の右前部に付設されたレインランプは、対向車に対してグレアによる眩惑光を与えないという条件設定の下にセンターラインや路肩の白線等を照射することができる。
【００２５】
領域Ａ１０、Ａ１０は、左右のコーナリングランプ１０による照射範囲をそれぞれ示しており、車輌の斜め前方（進行方向に対して約４５°程度をなす角度方向）から側方（進行方向に対して９０°程度をなす角度方向）にかけての領域をカバーしている。
【００２６】
そして、領域Ａ９、Ａ９は左右のベンディングランプ９による照射範囲をそれぞれ示しており、領域Ａ８とＡ１０との間に位置した範囲をカバーしている。
【００２７】
このように、これら全てのランプを点灯させると、車輌前方においてかなり広い範囲に亘って光照射を行えることが分かる。
【００２８】
次に各ランプの構成例を、図４乃至図１０に従って説明する。
【００２９】
図４はヘッドランプ７の構成例を示すものであり、投影レンズ１１、シェード１２、反射鏡１３を備えたプロジェクタ型ランプである。
【００３０】
このランプでは、シェード１２及び反射鏡１３の姿勢を変化させるための駆動機構が設けられており、これによって配光パターンの高さ（上限位置）を変更したり、光軸を左右方向に移動することができるように構成されている。
【００３１】
即ち、図示するように、シェード１２は、配光パターンにおいて自車線側の高さ上限位置を規定する円柱部１２ａと、対向車線側の高さ上限位置を規定する円柱部１２ｂとからなり、各円柱部の中心軸に対して偏心した位置において側方に突設された偏心回転軸１４、１４（図にはその一方だけを示す。）をアクチュエータ１５、１６によってそれぞれ回転させることで各円柱部の高さがそれぞれ規定される（尚、配光パターンはシェード１２についての倒立像として投影されることに注意を要する。）。
【００３２】
そして、光源１７は反射鏡１３に取り付けられ、その発光部が反射鏡１３の凹部内において反射鏡の光軸上に位置している。尚、反射鏡１３には、例えば、楕円−放物線反射面や回転楕円面等の反射面をもつ反射鏡が使用される。
【００３３】
反射鏡１３の駆動機構としては、該反射鏡の上端寄りの部分が平行リンク１８、１８を介して反射鏡１３の支持部材１９に取り付けられ、該支持部材１９に固定されたアクチュエータ２０から反射鏡１３の周縁部に架け渡されたＬ字状の回動リンク２１によって同図に矢印Ｒで示す方向に反射鏡が回動される構成となっている。これによって反射鏡１３の光軸を左右方向にずらすことで、照射方向を所望の方向に向けることができる。
【００３４】
図５乃至図１０はヘッドランプ以外の各ランプの構成例を示すものであり、レインランプ８、ベンディングランプ９、コーナリングランプ１０については、自動車用灯具としての一般的な構成、即ち、レンズ、反射鏡、光源からなる構成を備えており、上記ヘッドランプ７のような配光の制御機能は必須でなく、点消灯のみが行われる。尚、灯具の配光形成については、レンズに付設されたレンズステップと反射鏡との共同の光学的作用によって配光分布を決定しても良いし、レンズを素通しとし、あるいは殆ど素通しに近い状態で軽微なレンズステップだけをレンズに形成しておき、配光分布の大部分を反射鏡の形状設計だけで規定しても良いことは勿論である。
【００３５】
図５はそのような灯具（車輌前部の左側に配置される灯具）の一例２２を概略的に示す水平断面図であり、レンズ２３、反射鏡２４、光源２５を有する灯具２２はその主光軸Ｋ−Ｋを含む鉛直面によって照射部２２ａ、２２ｂに区分されている。
【００３６】
即ち、本例では、照射部２２ａがレンズ部２３ａと反射部２４ａとによって構成され、この両者の共同によって光源２５の光を、同図に矢印Ｇで示すように、車輌の進行方向に対して前方左斜め方向に照射する。また、照射部２２ｂは、レンズ部２３ｂと反射部２４ｂとによって構成され、この両者の共同によって光源２５の光を、同図に矢印Ｉで示すように、車輌の進行方向に対してほぼ平行な方向に照射する。尚、このような照射部の照射方向制御については、各反射部の光軸設定に依る（つまり、反射部２４ａの光軸が図の矢印Ｇに対して平行に設定され、また、反射部２４ｂの光軸が図の矢印Ｉに対して平行に設定される。）。
【００３７】
図６は反射部２４ｂの反射面の形状を回転放物面状として、その回転対称軸である光軸「Ｌ−Ｌ」が車輌の進行方向「Ｂ」に沿って延びるように規定されるとともに（点Ｐでの光線「ｌｂ」を参照）、他の反射部２４ａについては、その形状を回転放物面状とし、その回転対称軸である光軸「Ｌ′−Ｌ′」が上記光軸Ｌ−Ｌに対して同図にθの角度をもって傾斜されている例（点Ｑでの光線「ｌａ」を参照）を示している。
【００３８】
また、反射鏡の一部を所定の軸回りに回動させることによって反射部の光軸を所望の方向に向ける方法も挙げられ、この方法には、例えば、図７に示すように、反射部２４ａの回動中心軸が光源２５の発光中心点ＬＣを通って図の紙面に垂直な方向に延びる鉛直軸に一致するように設定したり、あるいは、図８に示すように、反射部２４ａの回動中心軸が、光源２５の発光中心点ＬＣから後方に寄った点ＲＣを通る鉛直軸に一致するように設定した構成等が挙げられる。つまり、反射部２４ｂを固定反射鏡とし、反射部２４ａを姿勢変化が可能な反射鏡（手動又はアクチュエータ等の駆動手段によってその姿勢を変化させることができる。）とすることで後者による照射光を所望の方向に向けることができる。
【００３９】
尚、レインランプ８、ベンディングランプ９、コーナリングランプ１０についても上記ヘッドランプ７と同様に配光分布の可変制御機能を有する構成を採用しても良いことは勿論であり、例えば、図９及び図１０に示す構成が挙げられる。
【００４０】
図９、図１０に概略的に示す水平断面図において、ランプボディ２６とその前面開口を覆うレンズ２７とによって画成された灯具空間内には固定反射鏡２８が設けられており、該固定反射鏡２８の内側には可動反射鏡２９が付設されていて、その回動中心軸が光源３０の発光中心を通って図の紙面に垂直な軸に設定されている。そして、ランプボディ２６内に配置されたアクチュエータ３１からリンク部材３２を介して可動反射鏡２９を回動させる機構が設けられているため、例えば、図９に示すように、固定反射鏡２８の反射面２８ａ及び可動反射鏡２９の反射面２９ａについて各光軸がともに車輌前方（矢印Ｂで示す進行方向）に向いた状態と、図１０に示すように、アクチュエータ３１によって可動反射鏡２９が所望の角度をもって回動される結果、反射面２９ａの光軸方向が進行方向Ｂに対して傾斜した方向に規定された状態とでは、異なる配光を得ることができる。
【００４１】
この他、灯具内に配置される光学部材（インナーレンズやシェード等）の駆動手段を設けて配光分布の制御を行う方法等、各種の方法が挙げられるが、これらは複数の灯具の持つ機能を一の灯具において実現するのに便利である。例えば、ベンディングランプとコーナリングランプの両方の機能を兼ね備えたランプを、配光制御が可能な１個のランプだけで構成できるという利点がある。
【００４２】
次に、照射制御モードと各ランプの照射状態との関係について説明する。
【００４３】
本実施例では、照射制御モードとして下記のモード区分がなされている。
【００４４】
（ｉ）市街地走行モード
（ｉｉ）郊外走行モード
（ｉｉｉ）高速走行モード。
【００４５】
先ず、（ｉ）市街地走行モードは、比較的低速な走行時において歩行者等の道路利用者を充分に認識できるようにするためのモードであり、例えば、下記のような照射目的をもつ。
【００４６】
・走行速度での制動距離（正確には空走距離＋制動距離であり、例えば、時速４０ｋｍ／ｈに対して２０ｍ程度）まで前方を照射できるようにする。
【００４７】
・片道２車線の道路で対向車線及び自車線側歩道上を充分に確認できるようにする。
【００４８】
また、（ｉｉ）郊外走行モードは、中速走行時において障害物や縁石等を確認できるようにするためのモードであり、例えば、下記のような照射目的をもつ。
【００４９】
・走行速度での制動距離（例えば、時速８０ｋｍ／ｈに対して７５ｍ程度）まで前方を照射できるようにする。
【００５０】
・片道２車線の道路において自車輌を基準として所定幅（６ｍ〜１０ｍ程度）の照射範囲を確保する。
【００５１】
（ｉｉｉ）高速走行モードは、車速８０ｋｍ／ｈ以上の高速走行時に、落下物等を認識でき、その回避可能距離（例えば、１１０ｍ程度）まで前方を照射できるようにするためのモードであり、本モード時には先行車輌に対して眩惑光（例えば、ドアミラーへの光照射等）を与えないように注意する必要がある。
【００５２】
図１１に示す図表は、各ランプの制御例を示したものである。
【００５３】
２つのうち上側に位置する図表は、すれ違いビームの照射時、所謂サブビーム（あるいはロービーム）の点灯について各モードとランプの状態を例示したものであり、また、下側に位置する図表は、走行ビームの照射時、所謂メインビーム（あるいはハイビーム）の点灯について各モードとランプの状態を例示したものである。
【００５４】
尚、これらの図表において、「○」は点灯、「×」は消灯をそれぞれ示しており、また、「ステアリング角度」はハンドルの操舵角（左折又は右折の一方についてのみ示す。）を、「ターンＯＮ時」はターンシグナルランプの点灯（点滅）時をそれぞれ示しており、「悪天候時」には雨天時や降雪時等が含まれる。そして、各モード間の遷移については、車速の閾値が速度の上昇時と下降時とで異なっており、上昇時には、市街地走行モードから郊外走行モードの移行が閾値５０ｋｍ／ｈで規定され、郊外走行モードから高速走行モードへの移行が閾値８０ｋｍ／ｈで規定されているのに対し、下降時には、高速走行モードから郊外走行モードの移行が閾値７０ｋｍ／ｈで規定され、郊外走行モードから市街地走行モードへの移行が閾値３０ｋｍ／ｈで規定されている。
【００５５】
ステアリング角度についても、いくつかの閾値が設定されており、これらは角度の増加時と減少時とで異なっている。つまり、本例では、ステアリング角度の増加方向に３０°、９０°、１８０°の閾値が設定され、ステアリング角度の減少方向には、１６０°、７０°、２０°の閾値が設定されている。
【００５６】
従って、例えば、市街地走行モード時における直進時にはヘッドランプ７だけが点灯され、ステアリング角度に関係なく左右のヘッドランプの光軸をそれぞれ外側へ５°振った状態に固定する（つまり、図３の破線の領域Ａ７、Ａ７に示すように右側のヘッドランプの光軸を右方に５°の角度をもって移動させ、左側のヘッドランプの光軸を左方に５°の角度をもって移動させたままの状態にすることで、より広い照射範囲を確保する。）。
【００５７】
また、市街地走行モード時において、左折又は右折時にステアリング角度が３０°になるとレインランプ８が点灯し、さらにステアリング角度が大きくなって９０°になるとベンディングランプ９が点灯する。そして、ステアリング角度が１８０°になるとコーナリングランプ１０が点灯し、この状態で全ランプが点灯する。その後、ハンドルを戻してステアリング角度が１６０°より小さくなるとコーナリングランプ１０が消灯し、さらに当該角度が７０°より小さくなるとベンディングランプ９が消灯、さらに２０°未満でレインランプ８が消灯する。このように、ステアリング角度の増大につれて各ランプが順次に点灯していき、照射範囲が拡大されるように制御すると、交通量の多い場所における車輌走行の安全性を保証するのに充分な照度及び照射範囲を確保することができる。
【００５８】
郊外走行モード時には、直進時にヘッドランプ７だけが点灯され、ステアリング角度に応じてヘッドランプの光軸移動が行われる。例えば、ステアリング角度が０°（正面）から３０°に向かって次第に大きくなるにつれて、ヘッドランプの光軸方向を０°から５°（絶対値）へと連続的に変化させる。尚、ステアリング角度０°から７°の範囲についてはヘッドランプの光軸方向を変化させないように不感帯を設けることが好ましく、これによって所謂ハンドルの遊びに対して不必要な配光の変化が起らないようにすることができる。
【００５９】
また、郊外走行モード時における左折又は右折時にステアリング角度が３０°になるとレインランプ８が点灯し、さらにステアリング角度が大きくなって９０°になるとベンディングランプ９が点灯する。しかし、ステアリング角度が１８０°になってもコーナリングランプ１０は消灯したままである。ハンドルを戻してステアリング角度が７０°より小さくなるとベンディングランプ９が消灯、さらに２０°未満でレインランプ８が消灯する。
【００６０】
高速走行モード時における直進時にはヘッドランプ７だけが点灯され、ステアリング角度に応じてヘッドランプの光軸移動が行われる。例えば、ステアリング角度が０°（正面）から３０°に向かって次第に大きくなるにつれて、ヘッドランプの光軸方向を０°から５°（絶対値）へと連続的に変化させる。尚、ステアリング角度０°から５°の範囲についてはヘッドランプの光軸方向を変化させないように不感帯を設けることが好ましく、これによって所謂ハンドルの遊びに対して不必要な配光の変化が起らないようにすることができる。
【００６１】
郊外走行モード時や高速走行モード時に、ステアリング角度に対して不感帯を設ける理由としては下記に示す事項を例示することができる。
【００６２】
・ステアリング角度が微妙に変化する運転状況には、例えば、一つの車線内で行うわずかな蛇行運転、あるいは小さな障害物に対する回避行動が含まれること。
【００６３】
・ステアリング角度の微小変化については、車線変更や他の道路へ曲がる等の蓋然性が低いこと。
【００６４】
よって、このような場合にステアリング角度の小さな変化でヘッドランプの光軸方向を変化させる必要はなく、逆に、無闇に光軸方向を変化させることに起因する弊害を防ぐ必要がある。
【００６５】
高速走行モード時においてステアリング角度が３０°になるとレインランプ８が点灯するが、ステアリング角度が９０°以上になってもベンディングランプ９やコーナリングランプ１０は消灯したままである。
【００６６】
尚、ヘッドランプ７に係るサブビームの点灯時において、市街地走行モード及び郊外走行モード時の配光パターン３３を概略的に示したものが図１２であり、図中の「Ｈ−Ｈ」線が水平線、「Ｖ−Ｖ」線が鉛直線をそれぞれ示している。
【００６７】
図示するように、道路交通法規で右側通行が義務付けられている場合には、対向車線側（Ｖ−Ｖ線の左側）のカットライン（あるいはカットオフ）ＣＬａが水平線Ｈ−Ｈのやや下方（角度表示で「−０．５°」）に位置され、自車線側（Ｖ−Ｖ線の右側）のカットライン（あるいはカットオフ）ＣＬｂが水平線Ｈ−Ｈにほぼ沿うようにして位置されている。
【００６８】
また、サブビームの点灯時において、高速走行モード時の配光パターン３４を概略的に示したものが図１３であり、「Ｈ−Ｈ」線、「Ｖ−Ｖ」線については既述した通りである。
【００６９】
この場合には、左側カットラインＣＬａがもち上がるため、全体としてカットラインが水平線Ｈ−Ｈにほぼ沿うようにして位置される。従って、対向車線側の路上をより遠くまで視認することができるようになる。
【００７０】
図１４は、メインビーム時におけるヘッドランプ７の配光パターン３５を概略的に示したものであり、この場合にはモードの如何に関係なく、図１２のパターンについて、所定の高さ増分（角度表示で「１．５°」）を全体的にもち上げたパターンとされる。
【００７１】
尚、悪天候時には車輌前部の左右に位置するレインランプ８がともに点灯され、また、ターンシグナルランプの点滅指示が出された場合には、高速走行モード時以外のモードでコーナリングランプ１０が点灯される。
【００７２】
本実施例において、上記した各モードの切り替え制御については手動（マニュアル）又は自動（オート）の各方式、あるいは両方式の併用等が可能である。つまり、手動方式では３モードの切り替えスイッチの操作によって運転者がその状況判断に応じてモード切り替えを行うことができるし（例えば、状況判断を純粋に運転者に委ねる方法と、車速や走行環境に応じた推奨モードを表示して運転者にアドバイスを促す方法等がある。）、また、自動方式では車速センサによる走行速度の検出信号に基づいて図１１に示したようにモード切り替えが行われる。
【００７３】
そして、レインランプ８については手動式スイッチを用いる方法の他、ワイパーの操作スイッチに連動して点消灯を行う方法等が挙げられる。
【００７４】
尚、本実施例と図１の構成との対応関係については、走行方向検出手段３がステアリングセンサ（運転者のハンドル操作に係る操作方向及び角度の検出用センサ）に、車速検出手段４が車速センサにそれぞれ相当し、また、照射制御手段５については、ＣＰＵ内蔵のＥＣＵ（電子制御ユニット）で容易に実現できる。
【００７５】
また、本実施例では、車輌の直進時にヘッドランプの点灯及び光軸制御を各モード毎に異なる仕様にしたが、これに限らず点灯及び光軸制御をモードには無関係に統一した仕様にしても良いし、すれ違いビームの照射時と走行ビームの照射時とで点灯及び光軸制御の内容を異なる仕様とする等、各種の実施態様が本願発明の技術的範囲に包含されることは勿論である。
【００７６】
そして、ステアリング角度（操舵角）についての上記した不感帯の幅（ステアリングセンター、つまり、ステアリング角度０°を基準とする角度幅）は、モード毎に異なるよう設定したが、これに限らず、車速に応じて不感帯幅を変化させても良い。
【００７７】
その理由は、ステアリング角度に対応してこれに忠実に光軸移動の制御を行った場合に、車速が遅いときに運転者はステアリング操作に対する照射方向の制御が敏感に感じられ、また逆に車速が速いときには運転者がステアリング操作に対する照射方向制御の感度が低くなったように感じられてしまう虞が生じるからである。このことは、車輌の低速走行時には一般に運転者のステアリング操作による補正動作が大きいのに対して、車速が速くなるほど当該補正動作が小さくなる傾向があることに起因している。
【００７８】
車速に応じた（ステアリング角度の）不感帯幅の制御例については下記に示す方法が挙げられる。
【００７９】
（ａ）不感帯幅を車速に応じて段階的に変化させる方法
（ｂ）不感帯幅を車速に応じて連続的に変化させる方法
（ｃ）方法（ａ）と方法（ｂ）とを組み合わせる方法。
【００８０】
つまり、方法（ａ）の例としては、例えば、車速の増加方向について、車速が５０ｋｍ／ｈ以下の間は不感帯幅（角度幅）を９°とし、車速が５０ｋｍ／ｈを越えたときに不感帯幅を７°とし、さらに車速が９０ｋｍ／ｈに達したときに不感帯幅を５°へと減少させる。そして、車速の減少方向については、車速が７０ｋｍ／ｈに減少したときに不感帯幅を７°に増加させ、車速が３０ｋｍ／ｈに減少したときに不感帯幅を９°とする。このように、車速の増加方向と減少方向とで車速について異なる閾値を設定することでヒステリシス特性をもたせると、車速が速いときにはステアリング角度に対する灯具（ヘッドランプ）の照射方向制御の感度を上げ、また、車速が遅いときにはステアリング角度に対する灯具の照射方向制御の感度を下げることができるので、運転者にとって違和感のない照射制御を実現できる。
【００８１】
尚、車速がある閾値以下になった場合に、ステアリング操作と灯具の照射方向との連動制御を停止（あるいは解除）することによって、ステアリング操作に対して不必要な照射制御が行われないようにすることも有効である。
【００８２】
方法（ｂ）の例としては、車速がゼロの時の不感帯幅を９°とし、車速の増加につれて不感帯幅を次第に小さくしていき、車速が９０ｋｍ／ｈ程度になったときの不感帯幅が５°程度となるように所定の制御線（横軸に車速、縦軸に不感帯幅をとったグラフ図上の直線又は曲線）に従って不感帯幅を車速に応じて規定すれば良い。
【００８３】
方法（ｃ）については、例えば、車速範囲を複数の区間に分割して、ある区間では方法（ａ）を用い、別の区間では方法（ｂ）を用いる方法、あるいは、各区間について方法（ａ）、（ｂ）のうちどちらを優先させるかを予め規定しておく方法等が挙げられる。
【００８４】
尚、車速に応じて不感帯幅を変化させる代わりに、車速に応じてステアリング角度に対する照射ビームの制御角度（照射方向及び角度）を可変制御することで、車速に起因する制御感度の問題を解決し、運転者にとって違和感のない照射制御を実現することができる。つまり、この場合には、横軸にステアリング角度をとり、縦軸に照射ビームの制御角度をとったグラフ図において両者の関係を規定する制御線の勾配を速度に応じて変化させれば良い（車速の増加に対して勾配を増加させる。）。例えば、当該制御線を直線とした場合には、車速又は車速範囲に応じた各直線によって、ステアリング角度に対する照射ビームの制御角度が決定されることになるが、車速が速くなるほど直線の傾きが大きくなるように直線式を規定すれば、高速になるにつれて制御感度を高めることができる。この方法は独立して用いることもできるが、上記した不感帯幅の制御と組み合せるとさらに効果的である。
【００８５】
【発明の効果】
以上に記載したところから明らかなように、請求項１に係る発明によれば、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角及び車輌速度に応じて複数の灯具による照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して照射方向及び範囲を制御することで車輌前方の配光を規定することができるので、車輌の走行状態にとって常に適切な配光制御を実現することができ、更に、天候の悪化時には、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための灯具を点灯させることによって、車輌前方の視認性を向上させることができる。
【００８６】
請求項２に係る発明によれば、車速が速くなるに従って点灯させる灯具の数を減らして照射範囲が狭くなるように配光制御を行うことで、走行速度に応じた運転者の視界に合せた照射範囲を保証することができる。
【００８７】
請求項３に係る発明によれば、車輌の直進時には複数の灯具のうち車輌の進行方向を向いて照射する灯具だけを点灯させ、また、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角が変化した時には当該変化が大きくなるにつれて車輌が曲がろうとする方向をより照射するように他の灯具を順次に点灯して、照射範囲を次第に拡大していくことによって、交差点等での右折や左折、あるいは曲路走行時に充分な照射範囲を保証することができる。
【００８８】
請求項４に係る発明によれば、車輌前方及び側方の照射範囲を、複数の区分領域に分割するとともに、照射方向をそれぞれ異にする灯具が各区分領域に対して各別に光照射を行うことで全体の照射範囲が規定されるようにすると、各灯具別に配光設計を行えば済むため、灯具の設計が簡単になり、また、配光の可変制御機能を各灯具にもたせる必要がなくなる分だけ、灯具の構成が簡単になり、部品点数及びコストの削減が可能になる。
【００８９】
請求項５に係る発明によれば、車輌進行方向の前方を照射する主ランプと、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための副ランプと、車輌の斜め前方から側方にかけての照射範囲を有する側方照射ランプと、副ランプの照射範囲と上記側方照射ランプの照射範囲との間に位置する照射範囲を有する補助ランプとを組み合せるだけで、車輌前方及び側方の広い範囲に亘って充分な光照射を行うことができる。
【００９０】
請求項６に係る発明によれば、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角の変化に応じて徐々に点灯光量を増加又は減少させる制御を用いることで、灯具の突然の点灯又は消灯による急激な光量変化が生じないようにして、対向車の運転者や歩行者等への悪影響を低減することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の基本構成を示すブロック図である。
【図２】図２乃至図１４とともに本発明の実施の一例を示すものであり、本図は自動車の車輌前部における各ランプの配置例を示す図である。
【図３】車輌の上方からみた各ランプの照射範囲を概略的に示す図である。
【図４】ヘッドランプの構成例を示す図である。
【図５】図６乃至図１０とともに、ヘッドランプ以外のランプの構成例を示す図であり、本図は２つの照射部から成る灯具例を概略的に示す。
【図６】各照射部が回転放物面状をした反射部を有する灯具の構成例の概略図である。
【図７】図８とともに反射鏡の一部を所定の軸回りに回動させることによって反射部の光軸を所望の方向に向けるように構成した灯具を概略的に示すものであり、本図は、反射部２４ａの回動中心軸が光源の発光中心点ＬＣを通る鉛直軸に設定された例を示す。
【図８】反射部２４ａの回動中心軸が光源の発光中心点ＬＣから後方に寄った点ＲＣを通る鉛直軸に設定された例を示す。
【図９】図１０とともに、配光分布の可変制御機能を有する灯具の構成例を示す図であり、本図は固定反射鏡及び可動反射鏡の各光軸がともに車輌前方に向いた状態を示す図である。
【図１０】可動反射鏡が車輌進行方向Ｂに対して傾斜した方向に規定された状態を示す図である。
【図１１】各ランプの制御例を説明するための図表である。
【図１２】図１３及び図１４とともにヘッドランプの配光パターンについて説明するための図であり、本図は、サブビーム時における市街地走行モード及び郊外走行モードの配光パターンを概略的に示す図である。
【図１３】サブビーム時における高速走行モードの配光パターンを概略的に示す図である。
【図１４】メインビーム時における配光パターンを概略的に示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１…車輌用灯具装置、２＿ｉ（ｉ＝１、２、・・・）…複数の灯具、３…走行方向検出手段、４…車速検出手段、５…照射制御手段、６…気象状況検出又は気象情報取得手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vehicular lamp device including a plurality of lamps provided at a front portion of a vehicle in a traveling direction of the vehicle, and changes a combination of irradiation ranges of the plurality of lamps to regulate light distribution control. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There has been known an apparatus configured to increase the safety when traveling on a curved road at night by detecting the steering angle of the vehicle and changing the irradiation direction of the lamp according to the change in the angle.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional apparatus, since only the control for continuously changing the direction of a part of the irradiation light according to the steering angle when the vehicle is traveling on the curved road is performed, a sign on the road or walking There is a problem that it is difficult to sufficiently illuminate a person, a preceding vehicle, an oncoming vehicle, or an obstacle.
[0004]
In view of this, the present invention provides a light distribution that is always appropriate for the running state of the vehicle by controlling the irradiation direction and range by changing the combination of the irradiation range by a plurality of lamps according to the vehicle running direction or steering angle and the vehicle speed. The task is to perform control.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a traveling direction detection means for detecting a traveling direction or a steering angle of a vehicle in a vehicular lamp device including a plurality of lamps provided at a front portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle. And changing the combination of the illumination ranges of each lamp by defining lighting or extinguishing of a plurality of lamps according to detection signals from the vehicle speed detecting means for detecting the vehicle speed, the traveling direction detecting means and the vehicle speed detecting means. Irradiation control means for performing light distribution control in front and side of the vehicle; Weather condition detection or weather information acquisition means for grasping the weather around the vehicle; Provided When the weather control means receives a signal from the weather condition detection or weather information acquisition means and it is judged that the weather has deteriorated, the lamp for mainly irradiating the white line or the shoulder on the road is turned on. did Is.
[0006]
Therefore, according to the present invention, the light distribution in front of the vehicle is defined by controlling the irradiation direction and range by changing the combination of the irradiation ranges by the plurality of lamps according to the traveling direction or steering angle of the vehicle and the vehicle speed. It is possible Furthermore, when the weather gets worse, the visibility ahead of the vehicle can be improved by turning on the lamps that mainly illuminate the white lines or shoulders on the road. The
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an apparatus according to the present invention. A vehicular lamp apparatus 1 includes a plurality of lamps 2_i (i = 1, 2,...) Provided at the front part of a vehicle in the traveling direction of the vehicle. ) And has a function of variably controlling the entire light distribution by combining the irradiation ranges of the respective lamps. Examples of these lamps include headlamps, cornering lamps, rain lamps, fog lamps, and bending lamps in the case of automobiles.
[0008]
The vehicular lamp device 1 includes a traveling direction detection unit 3 that detects a traveling direction or a steering angle of a vehicle, and a vehicle speed detection unit 4 that detects a vehicle speed. Is sent out.
[0009]
Examples of the traveling direction detection means 3 include a sensor for detecting a steering angle (such as an operation angle of a steering wheel) and a means for detecting an instruction signal to a direction indicator. As means for determining the current and subsequent vehicle travel directions based on the current position information of the vehicle, a navigation (route guidance) system using a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite, or road-to-vehicle communication (wireless between the vehicle and the road) That use facilities connected by communication).
[0010]
As the vehicle speed detection means 4, a speed sensor equipped in the vehicle can be used as it is.
[0011]
The irradiation control means 5 regulates lighting or extinguishing of the plurality of lamps 2_i (i = 1, 2,...) According to detection signals from the traveling direction detection means 3 and the vehicle speed detection means 4. The light distribution control for the front and side of the vehicle is performed by changing the combination of the irradiation ranges, and for this purpose, the irradiation control means 5 sends a signal for turning on or off each lamp.
[0012]
For example, the irradiation control means 5 performs light distribution control so that the irradiation range is narrowed by reducing the number of lamps to be lit as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means 4 is increased, so that steering can be performed when the vehicle is traveling at high speed. Even if the steering angle changes due to the operation, the lighting range of the lamp is controlled so that it does not move greatly to the left and right, which stabilizes the light distribution and surprises road users (drivers of other vehicles, etc.) Avoid glare from glare.
[0013]
When the traveling direction detection means 3 detects that the vehicle is traveling straight, only the lamp that irradiates in the traveling direction of the vehicle is turned on, and the traveling direction detection means 3 causes the traveling direction or steering angle of the vehicle. When the change is detected, the larger the change is, the other lamps are sequentially turned on so that the direction in which the vehicle is going to bend is more widely irradiated, and the irradiation control means 5 is used to expand the irradiation range. Each lamp is turned on or off step by step. As a result, when turning right or left and traveling on a curved road, light irradiation can be performed not only in the direction in which the vehicle is about to turn but also in a wide range including the direction, so that the driver's front view can be sufficiently secured. There is an advantage.
[0014]
When the driving environment changes variously depending on time and place as in an automobile, a weather condition detection or weather information acquisition means 6 is provided for grasping the weather around the vehicle (see FIG. 1). When the irradiation control means 5 receives the above signal and it is judged that the weather has deteriorated, it is preferable to turn on the lamp for mainly irradiating the white line on the road or the road shoulder. This is to prevent the white line (center line, lane mark on the shoulder, etc.) on the road from becoming difficult to see when the weather is worse (rainy weather, cloudy weather, snowfall, etc.).
[0015]
There are two methods for detecting weather conditions: one is to do this directly and the other is to estimate from indirect information. The former method is a method based on image processing based on information from the front-facing camera, raindrops, temperature and humidity, ambient illuminance, etc. In order to detect this, there is a method of comprehensively judging these detection information by attaching various sensors. The latter method includes, for example, a wiper operation signal and a signal indicating the state of the weather. There is a method of using information on a device that is scheduled to be operated accompanying the above. The weather information can be acquired using the above-mentioned road-to-vehicle communication, FM multiplex communication, or the like.
[0016]
For the control of the irradiation range, a method of providing a mechanism for changing the irradiation direction of each lamp (for example, a driving mechanism for changing the posture of an optical member such as a reflecting mirror, a light shielding member, or a lens constituting the lamp The illumination mechanism of the lamp is variably controlled by an external signal by the drive mechanism), but the illumination area on the front and side of the vehicle is divided into a plurality of divided areas, and the illumination directions are different. If the entire irradiation range is defined by irradiating each divided region with light individually using the lamps to be made, each lamp has a simple configuration (the light distribution of each lamp may be fixed). Therefore, it is advantageous for reducing the number of parts and the device cost.
[0017]
For example, as a plurality of lamps, a main lamp for mainly irradiating the vehicle traveling direction (front), a sub lamp for mainly irradiating a white line or a shoulder on the road, and an irradiation range from diagonally forward to side of the vehicle. By providing a side irradiation lamp having an auxiliary lamp having an irradiation range located between the irradiation range of the sub lamp and the irradiation range of the side irradiation lamp, the field of view in front of the vehicle is illuminated in a sufficient range. be able to. In the case of a car lamp, for example, the head lamp corresponds to the main lamp, the rain lamp corresponds to the auxiliary lamp, the cornering lamp corresponds to the side illumination lamp, and the bending lamp corresponds to the auxiliary lamp. For example, the structure etc. which have arrange | positioned the side irradiation lamp and the auxiliary | assistant lamp below the main lamp and the sublamp in the vehicle front part are mentioned.
[0018]
In the above description, the lighting control means 5 defines the lighting or extinguishing of each lamp. However, in such stepwise control, a part of the irradiation range suddenly becomes brighter or conversely Since there is a possibility that it will become dark, among the plurality of lamps, for two lamps whose irradiation ranges partially overlap or are adjacent to each other, turn on (turn off) the light quantity of one of the lamps, and then turn on the other lamp It is preferable to control the amount of lighting light so that the light amount of the other lamp is gradually increased (decreased) in accordance with a change in the traveling direction or steering angle of the vehicle. That is, in this case, the brightness of the lamp changes stepwise or continuously by the control signal sent from the irradiation control means 5 to each lamp 2_i. For this purpose, for example, the current, voltage, or supply power of a light source (such as an incandescent bulb or a discharge lamp) of a lamp may be controlled.
[0019]
【Example】
2 to 14 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to an automotive lamp device.
[0020]
FIG. 2 is a view mainly showing an arrangement example of lamps attached to one (left side) corner of the front part of the vehicle, and shows a headlamp 7, a rain lamp 8, a bending lamp 9, and a cornering lamp 10. .
[0021]
That is, with respect to the headlamp 7 arranged slightly to the side, the rain lamp 8 is arranged at a position beside the front lamp 7 and in front of it. A bending lamp 9 is positioned below the rain lamp 8, and a cornering lamp 10 is positioned below the head lamp 7 and on the side surface of the vehicle. The role of each lamp will be briefly described. The head lamp 7 is a lamp that plays a leading role in the light distribution of the passing beam and the traveling beam, and the rain lamp 8 is a combined lamp for cornering illumination and rainy illumination, and a bending lamp. Reference numeral 9 denotes a cornering illumination lamp at low speed, and a cornering lamp 10 is an illumination lamp at an intersection or the like. In this embodiment, a headlamp capable of variable control of light distribution is used as will be described later, and the remaining lamps are used. A lamp with a fixed light distribution is used.
[0022]
FIG. 3 schematically shows the irradiation range of each lamp when the vehicle is viewed from above.
[0023]
Regions A7 and A7 shown in the figure respectively indicate the irradiation ranges by the left and right headlamps 7, and the front of the vehicle is irradiated farthest away. For the headlamp 7, a predetermined angular range, for example, −5 ° (left) to + 5 ° (right) is set in the horizontal direction (see the arrow in the figure) in conjunction with the change in the steering angle accompanying the steering operation. The optical axis can be moved over a range. In other words, as indicated by the dashed area in the figure, the optical axis is moved to the front right for the right headlamp at the front of the vehicle, and the optical axis is moved to the front left for the left headlamp at the front of the vehicle. Can be made.
[0024]
Regions A8 and A8 indicate the irradiation ranges of the left and right rain lamps 8, respectively, and the lamps irradiate the road surface located in front of the headlamp 7. In other words, the rain lamp attached to the left front of the vehicle can irradiate a white line about 20m (meters) ahead on its own lane when traffic on the left side is required by road traffic regulations. The rain lamp attached to the right front part of the vehicle can irradiate the center line, the white line on the shoulder, etc. under the condition setting that the glare caused by glare is not given to the oncoming vehicle.
[0025]
Regions A10 and A10 indicate the irradiation ranges of the left and right cornering lamps 10, respectively, from the diagonally forward of the vehicle (angle direction that forms about 45 ° with respect to the traveling direction) to the side (90 ° with respect to the traveling direction). Covers the area over the angle direction).
[0026]
Regions A9 and A9 indicate the irradiation ranges by the left and right bending lamps 9, respectively, and cover the range located between the regions A8 and A10.
[0027]
Thus, when all these lamps are turned on, it can be seen that light irradiation can be performed over a considerably wide range in front of the vehicle.
[0028]
Next, a configuration example of each lamp will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0029]
FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the headlamp 7, which is a projector type lamp including a projection lens 11, a shade 12, and a reflecting mirror 13.
[0030]
This lamp is provided with a drive mechanism for changing the postures of the shade 12 and the reflecting mirror 13, thereby changing the height (upper limit position) of the light distribution pattern and moving the optical axis in the left-right direction. It is configured to be able to.
[0031]
That is, as shown in the drawing, the shade 12 includes a cylindrical portion 12a that defines the height upper limit position on the own lane side in the light distribution pattern, and a cylindrical portion 12b that defines the height upper limit position on the opposite lane side, Each of the cylindrical portions is rotated by rotating the eccentric rotating shafts 14 and 14 (only one of which is shown in the drawing) that protrudes laterally at a position that is eccentric with respect to the central axis of the cylindrical portion. (Note that the light distribution pattern is projected as an inverted image of the shade 12).
[0032]
The light source 17 is attached to the reflecting mirror 13, and the light emitting portion thereof is located on the optical axis of the reflecting mirror in the recess of the reflecting mirror 13. For the reflecting mirror 13, for example, a reflecting mirror having a reflecting surface such as an ellipse-parabolic reflecting surface or a spheroid surface is used.
[0033]
As a driving mechanism of the reflecting mirror 13, a portion near the upper end of the reflecting mirror is attached to the supporting member 19 of the reflecting mirror 13 via the parallel links 18, 18, and the reflecting mirror is moved from the actuator 20 fixed to the supporting member 19. The reflecting mirror is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow R in the figure by an L-shaped rotation link 21 spanning the periphery of 13. Thus, the irradiation direction can be directed to a desired direction by shifting the optical axis of the reflecting mirror 13 in the left-right direction.
[0034]
5 to 10 show examples of the configuration of each lamp other than the headlamp. The rain lamp 8, the bending lamp 9 and the cornering lamp 10 are generally configured as an automotive lamp, that is, a lens and a reflection lamp. A configuration including a mirror and a light source is provided, and a light distribution control function such as the headlamp 7 is not essential, and only turning on and off is performed. As for the light distribution of the lamp, the light distribution may be determined by the joint optical action of the lens step attached to the lens and the reflecting mirror, or the lens is transparent or almost transparent. Of course, only minor lens steps may be formed on the lens, and the majority of the light distribution may be defined only by the shape design of the reflecting mirror.
[0035]
FIG. 5 is a horizontal sectional view schematically showing an example 22 of such a lamp (lamp arranged on the left side of the front portion of the vehicle). The lamp 22 having a lens 23, a reflecting mirror 24, and a light source 25 has its main light. The irradiation parts 22a and 22b are divided by a vertical plane including the axis KK.
[0036]
That is, in this example, the irradiating part 22a is constituted by a lens part 23a and a reflecting part 24a, and the light of the light source 25 is combined with the two parts with respect to the traveling direction of the vehicle as indicated by an arrow G in the figure. Irradiate forward diagonally left. Moreover, the irradiation part 22b is comprised by the lens part 23b and the reflection part 24b, and the light of the light source 25 is substantially parallel with respect to the advancing direction of a vehicle as shown by the arrow I in the same figure by these both. Irradiate in the direction. Note that such irradiation direction control of the irradiation unit depends on the optical axis setting of each reflection unit (that is, the optical axis of the reflection unit 24a is set parallel to the arrow G in the figure, and the reflection unit 24b). Is set parallel to the arrow I in the figure).
[0037]
In FIG. 6, the shape of the reflecting surface of the reflecting portion 24 b is a paraboloid, and the optical axis “LL”, which is the rotational symmetry axis, is defined so as to extend along the traveling direction “B” of the vehicle. (Refer to the light beam “lb” at the point P), the other reflecting portion 24a has a paraboloid shape, and the optical axis “L′-L ′” that is the rotational symmetry axis is the optical axis. An example (see the light beam “la” at point Q) tilted at an angle θ with respect to LL is shown in FIG.
[0038]
Further, there is a method in which a part of the reflecting mirror is rotated around a predetermined axis so that the optical axis of the reflecting portion is directed in a desired direction. For example, as shown in FIG. The rotation center axis of 24a is set so as to coincide with the vertical axis extending in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing through the light emission center point LC of the light source 25, or as shown in FIG. The structure etc. which were set so that a rotation center axis may correspond to the vertical axis which passes along point RC which approached back from the light emission center point LC of the light source 25 are mentioned. That is, the reflecting portion 24b is a fixed reflecting mirror, and the reflecting portion 24a is a reflecting mirror that can change its posture (the posture can be changed manually or by driving means such as an actuator). It can be directed in a desired direction.
[0039]
Of course, the rain lamp 8, the bending lamp 9 and the cornering lamp 10 may also have a light distribution distribution variable control function similar to the head lamp 7. For example, FIG. The structure shown in FIG.
[0040]
9 and 10, a fixed reflecting mirror 28 is provided in a lamp space defined by a lamp body 26 and a lens 27 covering the front opening of the lamp body 26, and the fixed reflection. A movable reflecting mirror 29 is attached to the inside of the mirror 28, and its rotation center axis is set to an axis that passes through the light emission center of the light source 30 and is perpendicular to the drawing sheet. Since a mechanism for rotating the movable reflecting mirror 29 from the actuator 31 arranged in the lamp body 26 via the link member 32 is provided, for example, as shown in FIG. With respect to the surface 28a and the reflecting surface 29a of the movable reflecting mirror 29, each optical axis is directed forward of the vehicle (advancing direction indicated by arrow B), and as shown in FIG. As a result of being rotated at an angle, a different light distribution can be obtained in a state where the optical axis direction of the reflecting surface 29a is defined in a direction inclined with respect to the traveling direction B.
[0041]
In addition, there are various methods such as a method for controlling the light distribution by providing a driving means for optical members (inner lenses, shades, etc.) arranged in the lamp. This is convenient for realizing a single lamp. For example, there is an advantage that a lamp having both functions of a bending lamp and a cornering lamp can be configured with only one lamp capable of light distribution control.
[0042]
Next, the relationship between the irradiation control mode and the irradiation state of each lamp will be described.
[0043]
In this embodiment, the following mode division is performed as the irradiation control mode.
[0044]
(I) Urban driving mode
(Ii) Suburban driving mode
(Iii) High-speed driving mode.
[0045]
First, (i) the urban traveling mode is a mode for sufficiently recognizing road users such as pedestrians when traveling at a relatively low speed, and has the following irradiation purposes, for example.
[0046]
It is possible to irradiate the front to the braking distance at the traveling speed (precisely, the idle traveling distance + the braking distance, for example, about 20 m for 40 km / h).
[0047]
-Make sure that you can fully check the oncoming lane and the sidewalk on the sidewalk on a two-lane road.
[0048]
In addition, (ii) the suburban travel mode is a mode for making it possible to confirm obstacles, curbs, etc. during medium speed travel, and has the following irradiation purposes, for example.
[0049]
-The front can be irradiated up to a braking distance at a traveling speed (for example, about 75 m for 80 km / h).
[0050]
-Secure an irradiation range of a predetermined width (about 6m to 10m) with reference to the own vehicle on a two-lane road.
[0051]
(Iii) The high-speed driving mode is a mode for recognizing a fallen object or the like during high-speed driving at a vehicle speed of 80 km / h or more, and for irradiating the front to a avoidable distance (for example, about 110 m). In the mode, care must be taken not to give dazzling light (for example, light irradiation to the door mirror) to the preceding vehicle.
[0052]
The chart shown in FIG. 11 shows an example of control of each lamp.
[0053]
The chart located on the upper side of the two exemplifies each mode and the state of the lamp when the so-called sub beam (or low beam) is turned on when the low beam is irradiated, and the chart located on the lower side shows the traveling beam. FIG. 4 illustrates each mode and the state of the lamp for lighting a so-called main beam (or high beam) during irradiation.
[0054]
In these charts, “◯” indicates lighting and “×” indicates light extinction, and “steering angle” indicates the steering angle of the steering wheel (only shown for left or right turn), “turn”. “On” indicates when the turn signal lamp is lit (flashing), and “bad weather” includes rainy weather, snowfall, and the like. As for the transition between the modes, the vehicle speed threshold value differs between when the speed increases and when the speed decreases. When the vehicle speed increases, the transition from the urban driving mode to the suburban driving mode is defined by the threshold of 50 km / h. The transition from the high-speed driving mode to the high-speed driving mode is defined by a threshold of 80 km / h, whereas when the vehicle is descending, the transition from the high-speed driving mode to the suburban driving mode is defined by the threshold of 70 km / h. Transition to is defined with a threshold of 30 km / h.
[0055]
As for the steering angle, several threshold values are set, which are different when the angle increases and when the angle decreases. That is, in this example, threshold values of 30 °, 90 °, and 180 ° are set in the increasing direction of the steering angle, and threshold values of 160 °, 70 °, and 20 ° are set in the decreasing direction of the steering angle.
[0056]
Therefore, for example, when the vehicle travels straight in the urban driving mode, only the headlamp 7 is lit, and the optical axes of the left and right headlamps are fixed to a state in which the optical axis of each of the left and right headlamps is swung outward by 5 ° (that is, the broken line in FIG. 3). As shown in the areas A7 and A7, the optical axis of the right headlamp is moved to the right by an angle of 5 °, and the optical axis of the left headlamp is moved to the left by an angle of 5 °. To secure a wider irradiation range.)
[0057]
In the urban driving mode, the rain lamp 8 is turned on when the steering angle is 30 ° when turning left or right, and the bending lamp 9 is turned on when the steering angle is increased to 90 °. When the steering angle reaches 180 °, the cornering lamp 10 is turned on, and all the lamps are turned on in this state. Thereafter, when the steering wheel is returned and the steering angle is smaller than 160 °, the cornering lamp 10 is turned off. When the angle is smaller than 70 °, the bending lamp 9 is turned off, and when it is less than 20 °, the rain lamp 8 is turned off. As described above, when the lamps are sequentially turned on as the steering angle increases and the illumination range is controlled to be enlarged, the illuminance and the illuminance sufficient to guarantee the safety of vehicle traveling in a place with a lot of traffic. An irradiation range can be secured.
[0058]
In the suburban driving mode, only the headlamp 7 is turned on when going straight, and the optical axis of the headlamp is moved according to the steering angle. For example, as the steering angle gradually increases from 0 ° (front) to 30 °, the optical axis direction of the headlamp is continuously changed from 0 ° to 5 ° (absolute value). In addition, in the range of the steering angle from 0 ° to 7 °, it is preferable to provide a dead zone so as not to change the optical axis direction of the headlamp, and this causes an unnecessary change in light distribution with respect to so-called handle play. Can not be.
[0059]
Further, the rain lamp 8 is turned on when the steering angle becomes 30 ° when turning left or right in the suburban driving mode, and the bending lamp 9 is turned on when the steering angle is increased to 90 °. However, the cornering lamp 10 remains off even when the steering angle reaches 180 °. When the steering wheel is returned and the steering angle is smaller than 70 °, the bending lamp 9 is turned off, and when it is less than 20 °, the rain lamp 8 is turned off.
[0060]
When the vehicle travels straight in the high speed traveling mode, only the headlamp 7 is turned on, and the optical axis of the headlamp is moved according to the steering angle. For example, as the steering angle gradually increases from 0 ° (front) to 30 °, the optical axis direction of the headlamp is continuously changed from 0 ° to 5 ° (absolute value). Incidentally, in the range of the steering angle from 0 ° to 5 °, it is preferable to provide a dead zone so as not to change the optical axis direction of the headlamp, and this causes an unnecessary change in the light distribution with respect to the so-called handle play. Can not be.
[0061]
Examples of the reason why the dead zone is provided for the steering angle in the suburban travel mode and the high-speed travel mode include the following matters.
[0062]
-The driving situation in which the steering angle changes slightly includes, for example, slight meandering driving in one lane or avoidance action for small obstacles.
[0063]
・ Small changes in steering angle are unlikely to change lanes or turn to other roads.
[0064]
Therefore, in such a case, it is not necessary to change the optical axis direction of the headlamp with a small change in the steering angle, and conversely, it is necessary to prevent the adverse effects caused by changing the optical axis direction without darkness.
[0065]
The rain lamp 8 is turned on when the steering angle becomes 30 ° in the high-speed driving mode, but the bending lamp 9 and the cornering lamp 10 remain off even when the steering angle becomes 90 ° or more.
[0066]
FIG. 12 schematically shows the light distribution pattern 33 in the urban traveling mode and the suburban traveling mode when the sub beam related to the headlamp 7 is turned on, and the “HH” line in the figure is a horizontal line. , “V-V” lines indicate vertical lines, respectively.
[0067]
As shown in the figure, when the right traffic is required by road traffic regulations, the cut line (or cut-off) CLa on the opposite lane side (left side of the VV line) is slightly below the horizontal line HH (angle) The cut line (or cut-off) CLb on the own lane side (the right side of the VV line) CLb is positioned so as to be substantially along the horizontal line HH.
[0068]
FIG. 13 schematically shows the light distribution pattern 34 in the high-speed running mode when the sub-beam is turned on, and the “HH” line and the “V-V” line are as described above. is there.
[0069]
In this case, since the left cut line CLa is lifted up, the cut line as a whole is positioned substantially along the horizontal line H-H. Accordingly, the road on the opposite lane side can be viewed farther.
[0070]
FIG. 14 schematically shows a light distribution pattern 35 of the headlamp 7 at the time of the main beam. In this case, regardless of the mode, the pattern of FIG. In the display, it is a pattern in which “1.5 °”) is raised as a whole.
[0071]
In case of bad weather, the rain lamps 8 located on the left and right of the front part of the vehicle are both turned on, and when a turn signal lamp blinking instruction is given, the cornering lamp 10 is turned on in a mode other than the high-speed driving mode. The
[0072]
In the present embodiment, each mode switching control described above can be performed manually (manually) or automatically (automaticly), or a combination of both methods. In other words, in the manual method, the driver can switch the mode according to the situation judgment by operating the three-mode changeover switch (for example, a method of purely entrusting the situation judgment to the driver, the vehicle speed and the driving environment). The recommended mode is displayed to prompt the driver for advice, etc.) In the automatic method, the mode is switched as shown in FIG. 11 based on the detection signal of the traveling speed by the vehicle speed sensor.
[0073]
The rain lamp 8 includes a method of turning on / off in conjunction with a wiper operation switch in addition to a method of using a manual switch.
[0074]
As for the correspondence relationship between the present embodiment and the configuration of FIG. 1, the traveling direction detection means 3 is the steering sensor (operation direction and angle detection sensor related to the driver's steering operation), and the vehicle speed detection means 4 is the vehicle speed. It corresponds to each sensor, and the irradiation control means 5 can be easily realized by an ECU (electronic control unit) with built-in CPU.
[0075]
In this embodiment, the headlamp lighting and the optical axis control are different for each mode when the vehicle goes straight. However, the specification is not limited to this, and the lighting and optical axis control are unified regardless of the mode. Of course, various embodiments are included in the technical scope of the present invention, such as lighting and optical axis control with different specifications depending on whether the low beam irradiation and the traveling beam irradiation. is there.
[0076]
The above-mentioned dead zone width (steering center, that is, the angle width based on the steering angle of 0 °) for the steering angle (steering angle) is set to be different for each mode. The dead zone width may be changed accordingly.
[0077]
The reason for this is that when the movement of the optical axis is controlled in accordance with the steering angle, the driver feels sensitive to the control of the irradiation direction with respect to the steering operation when the vehicle speed is slow, and vice versa. This is because when the speed is high, the driver may feel that the sensitivity of the irradiation direction control with respect to the steering operation is lowered. This is due to the fact that the correction operation by the steering operation of the driver is generally large when the vehicle is traveling at a low speed, whereas the correction operation tends to decrease as the vehicle speed increases.
[0078]
Examples of the control of the dead zone width (of the steering angle) according to the vehicle speed include the following methods.
[0079]
(A) Method of changing the dead band width stepwise according to the vehicle speed
(B) Method of continuously changing the dead band width according to the vehicle speed
(C) A method combining the method (a) and the method (b).
[0080]
That is, as an example of the method (a), for example, in the increasing direction of the vehicle speed, when the vehicle speed is 50 km / h or less, the dead band width (angle width) is 9 °, and when the vehicle speed exceeds 50 km / h, the dead band When the vehicle speed reaches 90 km / h, the dead zone width is reduced to 5 °. With respect to the decreasing direction of the vehicle speed, the dead zone width is increased to 7 ° when the vehicle speed is reduced to 70 km / h, and the dead zone width is set to 9 ° when the vehicle speed is reduced to 30 km / h. In this way, if hysteresis characteristics are provided by setting different threshold values for the vehicle speed in the increasing direction and decreasing direction of the vehicle speed, the sensitivity of the illumination direction control of the lamp (headlamp) with respect to the steering angle is increased when the vehicle speed is high, and When the vehicle speed is low, the sensitivity of the lighting direction control of the lamp with respect to the steering angle can be lowered, so that it is possible to realize the irradiation control that does not give the driver a sense of incongruity.
[0081]
When the vehicle speed falls below a certain threshold value, the irradiation control unnecessary for the steering operation is not performed by stopping (or releasing) the interlocking control between the steering operation and the irradiation direction of the lamp. It is also effective to do.
[0082]
As an example of the method (b), the dead zone width when the vehicle speed is zero is set to 9 °, the dead zone width is gradually reduced as the vehicle speed increases, and the dead zone width when the vehicle speed becomes about 90 km / h is 5 The dead zone width may be defined according to the vehicle speed in accordance with a predetermined control line (a straight line or a curve on the graph with the vehicle speed on the horizontal axis and the dead zone width on the vertical axis) so as to be about 0 °.
[0083]
As for the method (c), for example, the vehicle speed range is divided into a plurality of sections, the method (a) is used in one section, the method (b) is used in another section, or the method (a ) And (b), and a method for predefining which is prioritized.
[0084]
Instead of changing the dead band width according to the vehicle speed, the control angle of the irradiation beam (irradiation direction and angle) with respect to the steering angle is variably controlled according to the vehicle speed, thereby solving the problem of control sensitivity due to the vehicle speed. Thus, it is possible to realize irradiation control that does not give the driver a feeling of strangeness. That is, in this case, the gradient of the control line that defines the relationship between the steering angle on the horizontal axis and the control angle of the irradiation beam on the vertical axis may be changed in accordance with the speed. Increasing the slope with increasing vehicle speed.) For example, when the control line is a straight line, the control angle of the irradiation beam with respect to the steering angle is determined by each straight line corresponding to the vehicle speed or the vehicle speed range, but the inclination of the straight line increases as the vehicle speed increases. If the linear equation is defined as described above, the control sensitivity can be increased as the speed increases. Although this method can be used independently, it is more effective when combined with the control of the dead band described above.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the invention according to claim 1, the irradiation direction and range can be changed by changing the combination of the irradiation ranges by the plurality of lamps according to the traveling direction or steering angle of the vehicle and the vehicle speed. Since the light distribution in front of the vehicle can be regulated by controlling the vehicle, it is possible to always realize the light distribution control appropriate for the running state of the vehicle. Furthermore, when the weather gets worse, the visibility ahead of the vehicle can be improved by turning on the lamps that mainly illuminate the white lines or shoulders on the road. The
[0086]
According to the invention according to claim 2, the light distribution control is performed so that the irradiation range is narrowed by reducing the number of lamps to be lit as the vehicle speed increases, so that the driver's field of view according to the traveling speed is adjusted. The irradiation range can be guaranteed.
[0087]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the vehicle travels straight, only the lamp that irradiates in the traveling direction of the vehicle is turned on, and when the traveling direction or steering angle of the vehicle changes, the change occurs. As the vehicle grows larger, turn on the other lamps in order to radiate more in the direction in which the vehicle is going to turn, and gradually expand the irradiation range. A sufficient irradiation range can be guaranteed.
[0088]
Claim 4 According to the invention according to the present invention, the illumination range on the front and side of the vehicle is divided into a plurality of divided areas, and the lamps having different irradiation directions perform light irradiation on each divided area as a whole. If the illumination range is specified, it is only necessary to design the light distribution for each lamp, so the design of the lamp becomes simple, and it is not necessary to provide each lamp with a variable control function of light distribution. The configuration of the lamp is simplified, and the number of parts and the cost can be reduced.
[0089]
According to the invention of claim 5, the main lamp for irradiating the front in the vehicle traveling direction, the sub lamp for mainly irradiating the white line or the road shoulder on the road, and the irradiation range from the diagonally front to the side of the vehicle. The combination of the side illumination lamp and the auxiliary lamp having the illumination range located between the illumination range of the sub-lamp and the illumination range of the side illumination lamp allows a wide range of front and side of the vehicle. Sufficient light irradiation.
[0090]
Claim 6 According to the invention according to the present invention, by using the control that gradually increases or decreases the light amount according to the change in the traveling direction or the steering angle of the vehicle, a sudden light amount change due to sudden lighting or extinguishing of the lamp does not occur. In this way, adverse effects on drivers and pedestrians of oncoming vehicles can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows an example of implementation of the present invention together with FIGS. 2 to 14, and this figure is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of each lamp in the front part of a vehicle.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing an irradiation range of each lamp as viewed from above the vehicle.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a headlamp.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lamp other than the headlamp together with FIGS. 6 to 10, and this drawing schematically shows an example of a lamp composed of two irradiation sections.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a configuration example of a lamp having a reflecting part in which each irradiation part has a paraboloidal shape.
7 schematically shows a lamp configured to turn the optical axis of the reflecting portion in a desired direction by rotating a part of the reflecting mirror about a predetermined axis together with FIG. 8. FIG. These show an example in which the rotation center axis of the reflecting portion 24a is set to the vertical axis passing through the light emission center point LC of the light source.
FIG. 8 shows an example in which the rotation center axis of the reflector 24a is set to a vertical axis passing through a point RC that is located rearward from the light emission center point LC of the light source.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a lamp having a variable control function of light distribution along with FIG. 10, and this figure shows a state in which each optical axis of the fixed reflecting mirror and the movable reflecting mirror is directed to the front of the vehicle. FIG.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which the movable reflecting mirror is defined in a direction inclined with respect to the vehicle traveling direction B;
FIG. 11 is a chart for explaining a control example of each lamp;
12 is a diagram for explaining the light distribution pattern of the headlamp together with FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, and is a diagram schematically showing the light distribution pattern in the urban traveling mode and the suburban traveling mode at the time of sub-beam. is there.
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern in a high-speed running mode at the time of a sub beam.
FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing a light distribution pattern at the time of a main beam.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vehicle lamp apparatus, 2_i (i = 1, 2, ...) ... Plural lamps, 3 ... Traveling direction detection means, 4 ... Vehicle speed detection means, 5 ... Irradiation control means, 6 ... Weather condition detection or weather Information acquisition means

Claims (6)

車輌の進行方向における前部に設けられた複数の灯具を備えた車輌用灯具装置において、
車輌の走行方向又は操舵角を検出する走行方向検出手段と、
車輌速度を検出する車速検出手段と、
上記走行方向検出手段及び車速検出手段からの検出信号に応じて上記複数の灯具の点灯又は消灯を規定することによって各灯具の照射範囲の組み合わせを変更して車輌前方及び側方の配光制御を行う照射制御手段と、
車輌周囲の気象を把握するための気象状況検出又は気象情報取得手段と、
を設け、
上記気象状況検出又は気象情報取得手段からの信号を上記照射制御手段が受けて天候の悪化が判断された場合には、路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための灯具が点灯される
ことを特徴とする車輌用灯具装置。In a vehicular lamp device including a plurality of lamps provided at a front portion in a traveling direction of a vehicle,
Traveling direction detection means for detecting the traveling direction or steering angle of the vehicle;
Vehicle speed detection means for detecting vehicle speed;
The light distribution control of the front and side of the vehicle is performed by changing the combination of irradiation ranges of the respective lamps by defining the lighting or extinguishing of the plurality of lamps according to the detection signals from the traveling direction detecting means and the vehicle speed detecting means. Irradiation control means to perform ,
Weather condition detection or weather information acquisition means for grasping the weather around the vehicle;
Provided ,
When the irradiation control means receives a signal from the weather condition detection or weather information acquisition means and it is judged that the weather has deteriorated, a lamp for mainly irradiating a white line or a shoulder on the road is turned on. A vehicle lamp device characterized by the above. 請求項１に記載した車輌用灯具装置において、
車速検出手段によって検出される車速が速くなるに従って点灯させる灯具の数を減らして照射範囲が狭くなるように照射制御手段が配光制御を行う
ことを特徴とする車輌用灯具装置。In the vehicle lamp device according to claim 1,
A vehicular lamp device, wherein the irradiation control means performs light distribution control so that the number of lamps to be lit is reduced as the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed detection means increases and the irradiation range is narrowed. 請求項１に記載した車輌用灯具装置において、
車輌の直進時には複数の灯具のうち車輌の進行方向を向いて照射する灯具だけが点灯され、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角が変化した時には当該変化が大きくなるにつれて車輌が曲がろうとする方向をより照射するように他の灯具が順次に点灯されて照射範囲が拡大されていく
ことを特徴とする車輌用灯具装置。In the vehicle lamp device according to claim 1,
When the vehicle goes straight, only the lamp that illuminates in the direction of travel of the vehicle is turned on, and when the vehicle travel direction or the steering angle changes, the direction in which the vehicle tends to bend is increased as the change increases. A vehicular lamp device characterized in that other lamps are sequentially turned on to irradiate and the irradiation range is expanded. 請求項１に記載した車輌用灯具装置において、
車輌前方及び側方の照射範囲が複数の区分領域に分割されており、照射方向をそれぞれ異にする灯具が各区分領域に対して各別に光照射を行うことで全体の照射範囲が規定される
ことを特徴とする車輌用灯具装置。In the vehicle lamp device according to claim 1,
The front and side irradiation range of the vehicle is divided into a plurality of divided areas, and the entire irradiation range is defined by lighting the lamps having different irradiation directions to each divided area. A vehicular lamp device characterized by the above. 請求項４に記載した車輌用灯具装置において、
複数の灯具として、
車輌進行方向を主に照射する主ランプと、
路上の白線又は路肩を主に照射するための副ランプと、
車輌の斜め前方から側方にかけての照射範囲を有する側方照射ランプと、
上記副ランプの照射範囲と上記側方照射ランプの照射範囲との間に位置する照射範囲を有する補助ランプと、
を設けたことを特徴とする車輌用灯具装置。In the vehicle lamp device according to claim 4 ,
As multiple lamps,
A main lamp that mainly illuminates the direction of travel of the vehicle,
A secondary lamp for mainly illuminating the white line or shoulder on the road;
A side illumination lamp having an illumination range from diagonally forward to side of the vehicle;
An auxiliary lamp having an irradiation range located between the irradiation range of the sub lamp and the irradiation range of the side irradiation lamp;
A vehicular lamp device characterized by comprising: 請求項１に記載した車輌用灯具装置において、
複数の灯具のうち、照射範囲が一部重複し又は隣接した関係を有する２つの灯具について、その一方の灯具を点灯させてから他の灯具を点灯させるにあたって当該他の灯具の光量を、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角の変化に応じて徐々に増加させるようにし、あるいは、一方の灯具を消灯させてから他の灯具を消灯させるにあたって当該他の灯具の光量を、車輌の走行方向又は操舵角の変化に応じて徐々に減少させるようにした
ことを特徴とする車輌用灯具装置。In the vehicle lamp device according to claim 1,
Among two lamps, for two lamps that have a relationship in which the irradiation ranges partially overlap or are adjacent, when lighting one lamp and then lighting the other lamp, It is made to increase gradually according to the change of the running direction or the steering angle, or when the other lamp is turned off after turning off one of the lamps, the light quantity of the other lamp A vehicular lamp device characterized by being gradually reduced in accordance with a change.
JP04334399A 1999-02-22 1999-02-22 Vehicle lamp device Expired - Fee Related JP3839609B2 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP04334399A JP3839609B2 (en) 1999-02-22 1999-02-22 Vehicle lamp device
KR10-2000-0008153A KR100380500B1 (en) 1999-02-22 2000-02-21 Vehicle lamp apparatus
GB0004086A GB2347996B (en) 1999-02-22 2000-02-21 Lighting device for vehicles
US09/507,896 US6293686B1 (en) 1999-02-22 2000-02-22 Lighting device for vehicles
DE10007984A DE10007984B4 (en) 1999-02-22 2000-02-22 Lighting device for a vehicle
CNB001026445A CN1154587C (en) 1999-02-22 2000-02-22 Lamp device of vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP04334399A JP3839609B2 (en) 1999-02-22 1999-02-22 Vehicle lamp device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
JP2000238576A JP2000238576A (en) 2000-09-05
JP3839609B2 true JP3839609B2 (en) 2006-11-01

Family

ID=12661209

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
JP04334399A Expired - Fee Related JP3839609B2 (en) 1999-02-22 1999-02-22 Vehicle lamp device

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US6293686B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3839609B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100380500B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1154587C (en)
DE (1) DE10007984B4 (en)
GB (1) GB2347996B (en)

Families Citing this family (101)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2001114012A (en) * 1999-10-15 2001-04-24 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lighting fixture device for vehicle
DE19950505A1 (en) * 1999-10-20 2001-04-26 Porsche Ag Device for controlling the light distribution of a headlight arrangement of a vehicle
JP2001213227A (en) * 2000-02-04 2001-08-07 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lighting system for vehicle
JP2001287587A (en) * 2000-04-04 2001-10-16 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Vehicle lighting system
JP2001325817A (en) * 2000-05-15 2001-11-22 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Headlight for vehicle
JP4518667B2 (en) * 2000-12-27 2010-08-04 アイシン・エィ・ダブリュ株式会社 Light distribution control system for vehicular lamp
JP4526700B2 (en) * 2000-12-27 2010-08-18 株式会社エクォス・リサーチ Light distribution control device
US6462479B1 (en) * 2001-01-19 2002-10-08 John T. Griffin Vehicle headlamp system
US20020181244A1 (en) * 2001-01-19 2002-12-05 Griffin John T. Vehicle headlamp system
JP4488633B2 (en) * 2001-01-30 2010-06-23 スタンレー電気株式会社 Irradiation direction variable headlamp device
JP4140751B2 (en) * 2001-05-07 2008-08-27 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting device
US20040065249A1 (en) * 2001-06-21 2004-04-08 Williams George L. Vehicle direction signal device
JP3933895B2 (en) 2001-08-08 2007-06-20 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle headlamp device
JP2003072461A (en) * 2001-08-31 2003-03-12 Denso Corp Automatic adjusting device for optical axis direction of vehicular headlamp
JP2003112568A (en) * 2001-10-04 2003-04-15 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lighting device for vehicle
JP2003112567A (en) * 2001-10-04 2003-04-15 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lighting device for vehicle
GB2381281B (en) * 2001-10-26 2004-05-26 Schlumberger Holdings Completion system, apparatus, and method
US7241034B2 (en) 2001-10-31 2007-07-10 Dana Corporation Automatic directional control system for vehicle headlights
DE10221899B4 (en) * 2002-05-16 2015-09-17 Volkswagen Ag Method for controlling the light function of a vehicle headlight
DE10225992A1 (en) * 2002-06-12 2003-12-24 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method of controlling operating parameters of a vehicle lighting system by adjusting light intensity based on vehicle speed
DE10236127A1 (en) * 2002-08-07 2004-03-04 Daimlerchrysler Ag Control arrangement for a lighting system of a motor vehicle
JP4331458B2 (en) * 2002-10-23 2009-09-16 株式会社クボタ Working vehicle lighting equipment
KR100506765B1 (en) * 2002-11-11 2005-08-05 전영일 Apparatus and method for controlling of headlight in vehicle and multi-function structured headlight lamp therefor
US7156542B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2007-01-02 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Vehicle headlight system having digital beam-forming optics
US6709141B1 (en) * 2003-01-24 2004-03-23 Sebastian Sisti Automotive warning light
DE10308129A1 (en) * 2003-02-26 2004-11-18 Adam Opel Ag Automatic control of lights e.g. for motor vehicle, embedded in car, picks up Infrared or radio signal which contains current traffic rules and controls light distribution of front lights according to current street categories
JP4152779B2 (en) * 2003-03-13 2008-09-17 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle headlight system
TWM245099U (en) * 2003-04-09 2004-10-01 Wen-Sheng Ke Automobile tail lamp set with safety sensing apparatus
JP4330922B2 (en) * 2003-05-09 2009-09-16 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting device
JP4586342B2 (en) * 2003-08-21 2010-11-24 日産自動車株式会社 Headlamp control system
DE10342927A1 (en) * 2003-09-17 2005-04-14 Daimlerchrysler Ag Method for optimizing a vehicle light and headlamp device
CZ20032589A3 (en) * 2003-09-25 2005-05-18 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Variable lighting device employing several light sources
CZ300491B6 (en) * 2003-10-30 2009-06-03 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Front side lighting device
JP4392786B2 (en) 2003-11-04 2010-01-06 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle headlamp
JP2005178678A (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-07-07 Denso Corp Automatic adjusting device for optical axis direction of vehicle headlight
US20050134447A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-06-23 Wen-Wei Su Automobile indicator
JP4170928B2 (en) * 2004-02-18 2008-10-22 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting
DE102004007782A1 (en) * 2004-02-18 2005-09-08 Daimlerchrysler Ag Motor vehicle for operating a distance sensor has an external light unit, sidelight elements, a control unit and a distance sensor
US7119672B2 (en) * 2004-03-05 2006-10-10 Ramesh Subbaraman Dynamic vehicle signaling device and system
JP4180535B2 (en) * 2004-03-12 2008-11-12 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting device
FR2869388B1 (en) * 2004-04-27 2006-09-01 Valeo Vision Sa PROJECTOR DEVICE WITH MULTIFUNCTION ACTUATOR BLOCK FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
JP2005313841A (en) 2004-04-30 2005-11-10 Ichikoh Ind Ltd Vehicle lighting device
JP2005353477A (en) 2004-06-11 2005-12-22 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lighting system for vehicles
DE102004055883A1 (en) * 2004-11-19 2006-06-01 Audi Ag Motor vehicle with a lighting device comprising a control device and a controllable via the control device for illuminating a curve as a function of the detected via a steering angle sensor steering light source
CZ302547B6 (en) * 2005-07-04 2011-07-07 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Adaptive headlight system of motor vehicles
JP4595737B2 (en) * 2005-08-08 2010-12-08 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting device
JP2007045251A (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-22 Ichikoh Ind Ltd Vehicle lighting device
JP4595736B2 (en) * 2005-08-08 2010-12-08 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting device
JP2007045252A (en) * 2005-08-08 2007-02-22 Ichikoh Ind Ltd Vehicle lighting device
JP4595738B2 (en) * 2005-08-08 2010-12-08 市光工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting device
FR2891511B1 (en) * 2005-09-30 2008-01-04 Valeo Vision Sa SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING THE LIGHTING OF A VEHICLE BASED ON A ROAD SITUATION AND METHOD IMPLEMENTED THEREBY.
FR2892361B1 (en) * 2005-10-25 2009-05-15 Valeo Vision Sa METHOD FOR SWITCHING LIGHT BEAMS.
DE102006020960A1 (en) * 2006-05-05 2007-11-15 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Headlights for vehicles
DE102007045150B4 (en) * 2006-09-27 2021-03-04 HELLA GmbH & Co. KGaA Headlight assembly for a vehicle and method for controlling a headlight assembly
US7540638B2 (en) 2006-11-10 2009-06-02 Ford Global Technologies, Llc Adaptive front lighting system for a vehicle
DE102007004443A1 (en) 2007-01-26 2008-07-31 Rösler, Joachim, Prof. Dr. soldering
JP4678536B2 (en) * 2007-10-01 2011-04-27 株式会社デンソー Illuminance sensor
DE102007060399A1 (en) 2007-12-14 2009-06-18 GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Detroit Motor vehicle lighting device has headlamp provided with multiple special, separate individual or groups of engaging and disengaging modules, out of which two modules have different solid angle distribution of light intensity
JP4613970B2 (en) 2008-03-12 2011-01-19 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Vehicle lighting device
DE102008001551A1 (en) * 2008-05-05 2009-11-12 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device and method for automatically adjusting the luminance of a light emitted by a lighting device of a vehicle light beam as a function of the visibility
JP2010013017A (en) * 2008-07-04 2010-01-21 Denso Corp Air conditioning device for vehicle
CN101772232A (en) * 2008-12-27 2010-07-07 富准精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Light-emitting diode lamp circuit
US8033697B2 (en) * 2009-02-18 2011-10-11 National Kaohsiung First University Of Science And Technology Automotive headlight system and adaptive automotive headlight system with instant control and compensation
US8635010B2 (en) * 2011-02-15 2014-01-21 Telenav, Inc. Navigation system with accessory control mechanism and method of operation thereof
JP5808620B2 (en) * 2011-09-06 2015-11-10 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle headlamp device and vehicle headlamp control system
KR20130052425A (en) * 2011-11-11 2013-05-22 현대자동차주식회사 Headlamp system
KR101344424B1 (en) 2011-11-18 2013-12-23 에스엘 주식회사 Apparatus and method for controlling head lamp of vehicle
JP2013140558A (en) * 2011-12-09 2013-07-18 Denso Corp Driving determination apparatus
US10384594B2 (en) 2012-04-09 2019-08-20 Hale Products, Inc. Advance lighting system for use with emergency vehicles
DE102012103312A1 (en) * 2012-04-17 2013-10-17 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Light module for headlight of vehicle, has light source for generating light function with multiple light segments that are arranged next to each other, where each light segment has illuminant
DE102012103313A1 (en) * 2012-04-17 2013-10-17 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Light module for headlight of vehicle, has pivoting device for pivoting base light source and supplementary light source
DE102012103319A1 (en) * 2012-04-17 2013-10-17 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Method for changing illuminating situation in front of vehicle e.g. bicycle, involves detecting need for changing illuminating situation in front of vehicle, and switching additional light source selectively
GB2502333A (en) * 2012-05-24 2013-11-27 Full Beam Ltd Speed-responsive light control mechanism
KR101405386B1 (en) * 2012-06-18 2014-06-10 현대모비스 주식회사 Lighting apparatus for vehicle
JP6008637B2 (en) * 2012-07-25 2016-10-19 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle headlamp
JP5966783B2 (en) * 2012-09-07 2016-08-10 株式会社デンソー Vehicular headlamp control device and control method therefor
US9199574B2 (en) * 2012-09-11 2015-12-01 Gentex Corporation System and method for detecting a blocked imager
JP2014054889A (en) * 2012-09-12 2014-03-27 Ichikoh Ind Ltd Side lamp system
CN103192758B (en) * 2013-04-19 2015-02-11 北京航空航天大学 Front lamp following turning control method based on machine vision
US9568160B2 (en) 2013-05-10 2017-02-14 Grote Industries, Inc. Lamp with a reflector
KR101360932B1 (en) * 2013-07-19 2014-02-12 차하경 System for automatically controlling a vehicle lamp by the vehicle speed
KR101484240B1 (en) * 2013-12-18 2015-01-16 현대자동차 주식회사 Head lamp cut off position correction system for vehicle and method thereof
JP5819452B2 (en) * 2014-01-24 2015-11-24 富士重工業株式会社 Fog lights for vehicles
DE102014207585A1 (en) 2014-04-22 2015-10-22 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method and apparatus for adaptive illumination
CN104192054B (en) * 2014-09-24 2016-08-17 奇瑞汽车股份有限公司 A kind of Airborne Lidar examining system based on AFS
JP2016068792A (en) 2014-09-30 2016-05-09 富士重工業株式会社 Vehicle headlamp device
DE102014018995A1 (en) 2014-12-18 2016-06-23 GM Global Technology Operations LLC (n. d. Gesetzen des Staates Delaware) Method for operating a headlight and motor vehicle headlights
US9896022B1 (en) 2015-04-20 2018-02-20 Ambarella, Inc. Automatic beam-shaping using an on-car camera system
CN108528322B (en) * 2017-03-03 2021-11-19 长城汽车股份有限公司 Headlamp control system and vehicle
DE102017207298B4 (en) * 2017-05-02 2025-05-28 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Method for controlling side light illumination of a vehicle and lighting device for a vehicle
US10634317B2 (en) 2017-08-03 2020-04-28 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. Dynamic control of vehicle lamps during maneuvers
JP6901348B2 (en) * 2017-08-22 2021-07-14 スタンレー電気株式会社 Vehicle lighting control device
CN108469005B (en) * 2018-03-01 2020-06-19 宁波众心电子科技有限公司 Self-adaptive motorcycle headlight and control system and control method thereof
AU2018201611B1 (en) * 2018-03-06 2019-05-30 Othman Abdul Rahim Radi Al Hanbali A Navigational Device
JP2019202656A (en) * 2018-05-23 2019-11-28 スタンレー電気株式会社 Control device for vehicular lighting fixture, control method for vehicular lighting fixture, and vehicular lighting fixture system
CN114599915B (en) * 2019-10-30 2024-08-09 株式会社小糸制作所 Vehicle headlamp
JP2021123326A (en) * 2020-02-07 2021-08-30 三菱自動車工業株式会社 Variable light distribution system
CN115140026B (en) * 2021-03-31 2025-07-11 上海擎感智能科技有限公司 Vehicle control method and system, vehicle-mounted device and computer-readable storage medium
CN114189965B (en) * 2021-11-24 2023-06-02 重庆长安汽车股份有限公司 Method for determining road illumination range of front illumination lamp of automobile
JP7561801B2 (en) * 2022-09-16 2024-10-04 本田技研工業株式会社 Vehicle lighting device
WO2024092620A1 (en) * 2022-11-03 2024-05-10 华域视觉科技(上海)有限公司 Adaptive front-lighting control method, and storage medium

Family Cites Families (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1101545A (en) * 1954-05-31 1955-10-07 Device for changing the orientation of a light beam
GB1177878A (en) * 1967-10-24 1970-01-14 Karl Schable Improvements in Vehicle Headlamp Arrangements for Illuminating Curves
US3855462A (en) * 1973-01-23 1974-12-17 T Kondo Head light arrangement for a vehicle
DE3704029A1 (en) * 1987-02-10 1988-08-18 Audi Ag Motor vehicle with permanently installed cornering headlights
US4951178A (en) 1988-10-05 1990-08-21 Koito Manfacturing Co., Ltd. Headlight for motor vehicle
JP2950897B2 (en) * 1990-03-28 1999-09-20 マツダ株式会社 Vehicle lamp direction control device
JP2612399B2 (en) 1992-06-05 1997-05-21 株式会社小糸製作所 Projection type automotive headlamp
JP2765643B2 (en) 1992-06-03 1998-06-18 株式会社小糸製作所 Projection type automotive headlamp
JP2538132Y2 (en) 1992-07-24 1997-06-11 株式会社小糸製作所 Projection type automotive headlamp
JP2783079B2 (en) * 1992-08-28 1998-08-06 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Light distribution control device for headlamp
US5373424A (en) 1992-10-21 1994-12-13 Koito Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Automotive projection headlamp
JPH0642407U (en) * 1992-11-19 1994-06-07 株式会社小糸製作所 Cornering lamp system for vehicles
JP2862766B2 (en) * 1993-08-03 1999-03-03 株式会社小糸製作所 Light distribution control device for automotive headlamp
JP2777052B2 (en) 1993-10-13 1998-07-16 株式会社小糸製作所 Automotive headlamp
JP3260226B2 (en) 1993-11-22 2002-02-25 株式会社小糸製作所 Color changing lamps for vehicles
FR2727497A1 (en) * 1994-11-30 1996-05-31 Valeo Vision BEAM EXTENSION PROJECTOR, PARTICULARLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
US5614788A (en) * 1995-01-31 1997-03-25 Autosmart Light Switches, Inc. Automated ambient condition responsive daytime running light system
JP3546600B2 (en) * 1995-09-07 2004-07-28 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Light distribution control device for headlamp
DE19719573B4 (en) * 1996-05-18 2006-08-17 Volkswagen Ag curve illumination
DE19645625A1 (en) * 1996-11-06 1998-05-07 Bosch Gmbh Robert Vehicle headlamp unit
JPH10166934A (en) * 1996-12-13 1998-06-23 Koito Mfg Co Ltd Lamp device for vehicle
FR2760705B1 (en) * 1997-03-13 1999-05-28 Valeo Vision MOTOR VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO TURN HEADLIGHTS
US5781105A (en) * 1997-04-09 1998-07-14 Ford Motor Company Light management system for a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE10007984A1 (en) 2000-11-02
JP2000238576A (en) 2000-09-05
CN1264656A (en) 2000-08-30
KR100380500B1 (en) 2003-04-18
US6293686B1 (en) 2001-09-25
CN1154587C (en) 2004-06-23
DE10007984B4 (en) 2013-06-06
GB0004086D0 (en) 2000-04-12
GB2347996B (en) 2001-05-30
GB2347996A (en) 2000-09-20
KR20000058121A (en) 2000-09-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP3839609B2 (en) Vehicle lamp device
US6481876B2 (en) Lighting system for vehicles
US6969183B2 (en) Digital lighting apparatus for vehicle, controller for digital lighting apparatus, and control program for digital lighting apparatus
JP4059079B2 (en) Digital lighting device for vehicle, digital display device for vehicle, and information display method
CN102537807B (en) Head lamp assembly and method for controlling the same
CN101934757B (en) Head lamp of vehicle
EP2594431B1 (en) Apparatus and method for controlling a headlamp of vehicle
JP3075966B2 (en) Headlight device for vehicles
JP5552381B2 (en) Control device, vehicle headlamp system
JP2004306894A (en) Lighting system for vehicle
EP2394851A2 (en) Vehicle lighting system
US7021791B1 (en) Vehicular headlamp apparatus
JP2921404B2 (en) Headlight device for vehicles
JPH06191346A (en) Car headlight system
JP4586342B2 (en) Headlamp control system
JP2008126910A (en) Vehicle lighting device
JP2007030739A (en) On-vehicle lighting fixture control unit and on-vehicle lighting fixture control method
JP2007030739A5 (en)
KR101708957B1 (en) Method of controling head light and apparatuse for using the same
JP3963245B2 (en) Vehicle headlamp
JP2004330906A (en) Vehicle headlights
JP7561801B2 (en) Vehicle lighting device
JP7591149B2 (en) Method for adjusting vehicle lighting when passing through a construction site and vehicle
KR20140083279A (en) Vehicle lamp and Control method of vehicle lamp
JP2871336B2 (en) Headlight device for vehicles

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
A131 Notification of reasons for refusal

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131

Effective date: 20060517

A521 Written amendment

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523

Effective date: 20060705

TRDD Decision of grant or rejection written
A01 Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01

Effective date: 20060801

A61 First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61

Effective date: 20060803

R150 Certificate of patent or registration of utility model

Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20100811

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20100811

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20110811

Year of fee payment: 5

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20120811

Year of fee payment: 6

FPAY Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database)

Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130811

Year of fee payment: 7

LAPS Cancellation because of no payment of annual fees